Ontario Region Safe Water Operations Program (SWOP) Presentation on March 10, 2010 Niagara Falls, Ontario INAC Ontario Region

In March 2006, Minister Prentice and National Chief Fontaine announce a Five Point Plan of Action to address drinking water concerns in First Nations communities One of key components was that all First Nation water treatment plants must be operated by appropriately certified operators. In cases where a First Nation operator is not certified at the same level of the plant, a First Nation can submit a proposal under the SWOP program. Intent of SWOP is to provide certified operators to supervise and assist First Nation operators in the maintenance and operation of their WTP in a manner consistent with current MOE Drinking Water standards. Financial assistance to First Nations to contract with Service Providers to be the Over-All-Responsible Operator (ORO) until First Nation operators attain the appropriate certification. SWOP was intended as an interim measure. Initiation of SWOP

To ensure the health and safety of First Nations residents through provision of safe water; To achieve a level of supply, treatment and distribution water quality and operating performance that is consistent with current Ontario water standards; To support First Nations capacity development in water and utility infrastructure development and operations; and, To establish maintenance management plans for the water utility assets to ensure that these operate cost effectively through the planned life expectancy of the asset. SWOP Program Objectives

Eligible Applicants Individual First Nation community or group of First Nation communities Tribal Councils and First Nations technical services organizations, who act on behalf of FN communities who have delegated its responsibility of managing their water plants Eligible Costs Service provider fees and applicable disbursements; Preparation of an emergency response plan; On-site operator training; Regular reporting by the service provider; Travel costs incurred by Tribal Councils who assist in the Request for Proposal process, and facilitate the aggregation of First Nation interests. Ineligible Costs Any costs normally funded through existing O&M, training or capital budgets. SWOP Program Details

First Nation/Tribal Council to send letter to INAC confirming their intent to initiate a SWOP application. Project Team Meeting to initiate Request for Proposal (generic SWOP Terms of Reference available) Project Team Selection of Service Provider Application for Funding made to INAC INAC Funding Approval First Nation/Tribal Council Negotiation of Service Agreement INAC Funding processed upon receipt of signed and executed service agreement SWOP Approval Process

To date, a total of $7,886,065 has been allocated in SWOP service agreements approved (FN=21, TC=5) 53 First Nations under SWOP (South=13 FNs, North=40 FNs) Ontario Region Average SWOP cost = $135,048 Average SWOP in southern First Nations = $74,014 Average SWOP in northern First Nations = $154, SWOP Summary

Ensuring that First Nation core O&M funding, and enhanced water O&M funding is being used effectively. Developing a long-term operator training plan that is linked to existing & future water plant system(s). Maintaining experienced and qualified operators in community. Review SWOP Terms of Reference. Explore alternative funding and ORO mechanisms. (eg. hubs) SWOP Challenges